2014 Bioenergy Scheme for Willow and Miscanthus Opens for Applications

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has announced that the 2014 round of the Bioenergy Scheme, which grant aids the planting of the energy crops willow and miscanthus, is now open for applications from farmers. The Scheme has supported the planting of over 3,300 hectares of energy crops since 2007.

There continues to be a demand within the bioenergy sector to build on the progress made since 2007 in developing energy crops in Ireland, and these crops have the potential to play a useful role in meeting Ireland’s renewable heat target of 12% by 2020. The opening of the Scheme for 2014 provides an opportunity for prospective growers to engage with energy crop contractors with a view to making an early decision on planting energy crops in 2014. The Scheme is now open for applications and interested farmers can apply for establishment grants of up to €1,300 per hectare to cover 50% of the cost of establishing willow and miscanthus crops.

The closing date for submission of applications for pre-planting approval is Wednesday, 4th December 2013.

Details of the 2014 Bioenergy Scheme and application forms can be obtained from Biofuels Policy Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Kea-Lew Business Park, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Telephone 057-8692224/8692231/8692240 or see information on webpage : Bioenergy Scheme 2014 Details

Note to Editors

The legal basis for the Bioenergy Scheme is Council Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005, as amended, on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Eligible costs include ground preparation operations, vegetation management, planting and the purchase of planting stock.